Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
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Australas Psychiatry · Oct 2018
Staff awareness of the application of Mental Health and Guardianship Legislation in the care of hospitalised older persons.
The study aimed to survey hospital staff knowledge of the application of the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW) (MHA) and the Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW) (GA) in the care and treatment of older persons in a teaching hospital in Sydney. Method Over a two-month period in 2017, a survey questionnaire was distributed to staff involved in older persons' care across the hospital. ⋯ Although clinical staff of the hospital displayed fair knowledge and awareness about the application of the MHA and the GA to inpatient care of older adults, further education is necessary, particularly about the application of the GA. The authors suggest similar findings may occur at other New South Wales hospitals, which may raise concern and need for education.
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Australas Psychiatry · Oct 2018
An algorithm for managing adults who refuse medical treatment in New South Wales.
The assessment and management of a patient who refuses medical treatment requires clinical skill, and consideration of the relevant law and the patient's decision-making capacity. Psychiatrists are often asked to advise in these situations. We aimed to develop an algorithm describing the relevant legal pathways to assist clinicians, especially psychiatrists, working in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. ⋯ The algorithm provides a clear decision tree for clinicians responding to a patient refusing medical treatment in NSW.
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We investigated whether a documentary about masculinity and suicidality ( Man Up) could raise males' awareness of societal pressures to conform to masculine norms and influence their likelihood of connecting with their male friends and seeking help. ⋯ Man Up appeared to effectively address factors that place males at heightened risk of suicide.
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Australas Psychiatry · Apr 2018
Recent developments in suicide prevention among the Indigenous peoples of Australia.
Suicide is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter 'Indigenous') population health issue. Over 2015-2016, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Project (ATSISPEP) aimed to identify success factors in Indigenous suicide prevention. ⋯ For non-Indigenous practitioners working with indigenous clients at risk of suicide, ATSISPEP identified important considerations to make treatment more effective. The start is acknowledging the differences in the historical, cultural, political, social and economic experiences of Indigenous peoples, and their greater exposure to trauma, psychological distress and risks to mental health. These mental health difficulties are specific and more prevalent amongst Indigenous peoples and communities due to the ongoing impacts of colonisation in Australia including a range of social determinants impacting on the well-being of Indigenous peoples today. Working effectively with Indigenous clients also includes being able to establish culturally safe work environments, and the ability of non-Indigenous practitioners to work in a culturally competent and trauma-informed manner. There are also considerations regarding time protocols and client follow-up. Further, postvention responses might be required. Supporting selective suicide prevention activity among younger people (and other groups at increased risk) and community-level work is an important complement to working with Indigenous individuals at risk of suicide.